14 of the Best Wineries in Clare Valley, SA's Riesling Capital

A beautiful little region with a big reputation. There's something ironic in the fact that Clare Valley has crafted some of Australia's most admired wines, but is one of the country's least explored regions. Trust us - that's a crying shame. Those who do find their way into this verdant valley are richly rewarded: with dramatic rolling vistas decked out with rows of sun-soaked vines, sweeping gullies, untouched historic towns, and incredible wines. Idyllic doesn't even begin to cover it. 

Clare Valley's winemaking history spans more than 150 years, which also makes it one of Australia's oldest wine-producing regions. It's famous for its powerful yet elegant reds and world-renowned Rieslings. That's right, a visit to the Clare Valley would be nothing without enjoying a glass of Riesling or two. There's even the famous 'Riesling Trail,' a popular 35 kilometre corridor offering a beautiful sojourn through the valley. Best explore by bike, take in stunning countryside and quaint little villages along the way; you'll find more than 50 cellar doors between the towns of Auburn and Clare. 

From Clare Valley’s first winery, Sevenhill Cellars, serving up estate-grown wine, grazing plates and tours to its historic St Aloysius Church, to sipping on exceptional Riesling at family-owned Pikes Wines, all topped off with a sublime lunch at Skillogalee Estate, these are just a sample of the 14 best wineries in Clare Valley to add to your viniferous ventures. 

A 90 minute drive from Adelaide, finding your way to the Clare Valley couldn't be easier. Leaving, however? That's going to prove more challenging.

O'Leary Walker Wines 

Savour some of the finest Clare Valley drops at O'Leary Walker Wines. Scratch that, some of the finest South Australian drops! Discover award-winning regional wines with their guided flights overlooking the vineyards, share a gourmet grazing platter with friends or settle in for an extended lunch celebrating the best of South Australian produce, reflecting seasonality and provenance from this wonderful region. Be tempted by house made duck pâté, try hand-cut spinach linguini or indulge with slow cooked pork belly.

Vibrant and easy-drinking, we love their medium-bodied wine 2022 Pinotage, the perfect summer red, or the 2023 Polish Hill River Riesling, a super fragrant and searingly crisp white, with an intense bouquet of mixed flowers and mineral nuances. 

7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham, Clare 

Taylors Wines 

Since its inception in 1969, Taylors Wines has been a haven for wine lovers. It's one of Australia's most iconic wine producers. In fact, as of 2023, Taylor's Chardonnay is considered one of the best drops in the world, having taken top prize at the 32nd annual MUNDUS VINI Grand International, which is held in Germany. Their Shiraz and Riesling are also considered some of the world's best, so you know you're bound for greatness at this Clare Valley winery. 

Their recently redesigned (and absolutely beautiful) multi-million dollar cellar door makes it even more so. From relaxing in the superbly manicured winery garden area with a glass of wine and a cheese platter to enjoying a game of boules or cricket on the large lawn area. Visitors can also head in to explore their lovely sculpture collection, or for an educational wine tasting experience (bookings essential).

Winery Road, Auburn

Pikes Wines 

Pikes Wines are best known for their Riesling. But a visit to their Clare Valley cellar door should involve tasting a variety of great wines, even a brew or two from Pikes Beer Co, and a long, seasonal lunch at on-site Slate Restaurant. 

Pikes is a family affair, established in the 1980's. Riesling of course makes up half of the vineyard's plantings; Shiraz, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Tempranillo dominate the other half. Pikes’ flagship wines are the Merle Riesling and EWP Shiraz, that are only made in exceptional vintages. 

Savour the flavours of the Clare Valley in every sip and bite at Slate Restaurant. It delivers a Modern Australian menu featuring simple, yet delicious dishes that highlight the best local produce from in and around the region. Impressively, seasonal fruits and vegetables from their kitchen garden feature in most dishes. The restaurant has been an AGFG Chef Hat Winner for four years running. 

Sitchu Tip: Art lovers, it's also worth a visit simply to admire the soulful and multifaceted work of acclaimed South Australian contemporary artist Jen McDonald. Her pieces are available for viewing and purchase in the Tasting Room and restaurant's art space. 

233 Polish Hill Road, Sevenhill 

Sevenhill Cellars 

The first winery ever built in the Clare Valley and one of the oldest in Australia, Sevenhill Cellars is an essential South Australian experience.

A site of much historical significance, the winery has over 90 hectares of vines providing premium fruit for its diverse range of estate-grown and handcrafted wines, ranging from Shiraz and Grenache, to Riesling and Pinot Gris. 

Halliday and Gourmet Traveller-awarded, this is picturesque property centered on a tree-lined village green and home to the landmark St Aloysius Church.

Dapple in some of the finest wines in the region at the cellar door, relax, picnic or play on the lush, shaded lawns or take a stroll down memory lane on a self guided tour of significant sites to retrace the steps of regular visitors like Australia’s only Saint, Mary MacKillop.

A rich blend of signature Clare Valley wines and a distinctive location renowned for its historic and spiritual qualities awaits you at Sevenhill Cellars, one of the best wineries in Clare Valley. 

111C College Road, Sevenhill 

Jim Barry Wines

A visit to the Jim Barry Wines cellar door is elevated to higher levels when you understand the history behind the brand. Certain names resonate strongly within the hallowed halls of Australian wine history. Jim Barry is one such name. It was Jim Barry’s drive and community spirit that helped shape South Australia’s Clare Valley as a benchmark producer of world class Riesling and cemented its place as one of Australia’s premier wine regions.

Working for 22 years as winemaker at the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim Barry became a pioneer of Australian table wine, who then went on to establish Taylors Wines in 1969 for the Taylor family. His wife, Nancy, proved a driving force in the formation of Jim Barry Wines and sons, Peter, Mark & John were involved in the company’s rise. Today Peter’s children Tom, Sam and Olivia work for Jim Barry Wines as winemaker, commercial manager and brand ambassador respectively. Current custodian’s, Peter & Sue Barry, are deeply proud that Jim Barry Wines is still family owned. 

Visit for some of the best tasting experiences in the valley. 'The Immersion,' is for those who want to take a deep dive into Jim Barry Wines, from the well known to those yet to be released, while 'The Collector Tasting' is the ultimate tasting experience for lovers of Jim Barry Wines. Guests are guided through three vintages of the renowned ‘The Armagh’ Shiraz in the private tasting room, including back vintages no longer available to the public.

Bookings essential.

33 Craig Hill Road, Stanley Flat 

Skillogalee Estate 

Nestled in the heart of the Clare Valley since 1970, Skillogalee Estate is a family-owned winery committed to the art of authentic, handcrafted winemaking. It continues to produce highly-lauded drops that vividly embody the unique terroir of its high-elevation, hillside vineyards and is one of Clare Valley’s most distinguished wine producers.

A visit to its cellar door will give you a taste of their award-winning, single estate wines, including Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Skillogalee’s historic restaurant, a gourmet food destination serving up some of the finest food in the Clare Valley. Embraced by the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of Spring Gully, you'll never want to leave this beautiful winery...and you won't actually have to if you decide to stay in the boutique accommodation available on-site. 

Skillogalee Estate really is the perfect place to relax and unwind, making it one of the best wineries in Clare Valley.

23 Trevarrick Road, Sevenhill 

Knappstein Winery

Built on a rich heritage, Knappstein Winery is another of Clare Valley's most recognisable and beloved wineries. Knappstein's award-winning wines reflect the true nature of the region, showcasing quality fruit at its purest and most vibrant.

Located in an historic building in the heart of the region, the cellar door is a must-see when you visit Clare township. The original nineteenth century Enterprise Brewery is a National Trust building and beautiful landmark, where you can wander inside and enjoy a tasting of their most premium range of wines.

2 Pioneer Avenue, Clare 

Koonowla Wines

We love Koonowla Wines, a luxury winery housed in one of the Clare Valley's iconic historic properties. Nestled among the vines lies this inspiring stone building, with a rich history, selection of wines and gorgeous atmosphere worth travelling for. Koonowla Cellar Door welcomes you to enjoy a selection of wines from their 'Koonowla' and 'Georges' collections every weekend (unless closed for weddings and private events). Go for a tasting, purchase a delicate white or powerful, full-bodied red, a platter to share, sit outside and enjoy the beautiful setting until golden hour settles in like a warm hug. 

On the first Friday of each month, the team play host to 'Twilight at Koonowla,' with live music and delicious food for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Sitchu Tip: For Clare Valley accommodation unlike any other, the Koonowla Homestead is a striking location to settle into for the weekend. The ultimate base for exploring this verdant wine region. 

Koonowla Road, Auburn 

Shut the Gate Wines

Boutique wine label Shut the Gate has an atmospheric cellar door based in Clare that's perfect for popping into for a chat, a glass of vino and a chill in the garden. The wines available reflect owners, Rasa and Richard's passion for targeting small parcels of individual vineyard fruit that display expressive and unique flavour profiles. 

Set amongst vineyards on the main highway into Clare, the cellar door also features an on-site Provedore Store to create a DIY Picnic or take a selection of goodies home. 

8453 Main North Road, Clare

Mr. Mick Cellar Door & Restaurant 

7 Dominic Street, Clare

Paulett Wines

You can feel the passion and love poured into every bottle at Paulett Wines, another favourite Clare Valley winery. Carrying on the proud family legacy of producing regional wines that showcase the elegance and intensity of the region, this small-batch vineyard comes with plenty of awards under its belt.

Head into the welcoming Paulett cellar door for varied tasting experiences catered to every palate. You'll love the tasting flight, perfectly complemented with delicious canapes from on-site Bush DeVine Winery Restaurant. This award-winning dining experience celebrates local produce plucked out of their very own Australian bush food garden.

Make sure to bring family and friends alike to share a bottle of Pauletts' best - you won't regret it! 

752 Jolly Way, Polish Hill River

Mitchell Wines

Dry grown, family owned and hand made wines will tempt you into this rustic winery in Clare Valley. Mitchell Wines have an exclusive range of high quality and meticulously crafted wines to try, from their Mitchell, Kinsfolk and McNicol collections. Come for the guided tasting, where you'll learn about the history (it was first formed in the 1890's) and sustainable practices of the winery; stay for a local produce picnic and a glass of wine in the relaxing cellar door garden, or for a cheese board and glass of wine inside by the fire. 

246 Hughes Park Road, Penwortham

Jeanneret Wines

Jeanneret Wines' philosophy is simple - to make the best wines possible. They're not winery espousing trends or rules either; they're simply making wine that they love, and that they think you will too. The wines at this relaxed cellar door are generous in flavour and quality - and matched to some very delicious pizza too.

Sitting pretty within the picturesque Skilly Valley in Sevenhill, they also share a home with Clare Valley Brewing Co., which means they a unique Clare Valley winery experience that caters to all tastes. 

The cellar door is part of the original Jeanneret family home and brims with a warm, welcoming ambiance. Relax and unwind on the deck after a wine tasting, surrounded by beautiful views; it's a lovely place to settle in with a bottle or glass of vino, even during the cooler months...hello, outdoor fireplace! Delicious platters, local snacks and the aforementioned pizzas are available for hungry hordes. 

22 Jeanneret Road, Sevenhill 

Reillys Wines 

Offering seated wine tastings from their premium range plus wine sales, cheese platters, an a la carte seasonal menu in their attached restaurant, and on-site heritage accommodation, Reillys Wines is another fantastic cellar door and winery to add to your Clare Valley must-try list.

We highly recommend booking in for their outstanding 5-course Long Lunch Indulgence Experience. Place yourself in the hands of their experienced chefs and allow them to guide you through the culinary tastes of the Mintaro and Clare Valley regions. There is no set menu either, as the journey changes weekly to ensure seasonal and local produce is at its finest. It's also carefully paired with Reillys premium wine flights, celebrating the exquisite sensory bond between food and wine.

Leasingham Road, Mintaro

If you've loved exploring the best wineries in Clare Valley alongside us and are now planning a trip to get out and amongst the lush vines and storied cellar doors of the region, make sure to do a little more research in these Adelaide's wine bars first. Make sure to also stop in at some of Barossa's finest along the way.